A Free Burma

Photo Courtesy of Reuters

Over the past few days, the world has finally seen that all isn’t well in Myanmar. As the monks march for freedom, the rest of us watch in shock and disbelief that such atrocities still exist. It’s 2007. We are in the new millennium, yet many still suffer. So many still have their rights to free speech, freedom of expression, and just the plain old right to say “the government sucks” deprived from them.

The Burma case is egregious and alarming. The junta has held a tight grip for years with the complicity of its ASEAN neighbors. The US cannot be blamed for this one. Sanctions have been placed for years and credit must be given to the Bush Administration who spoke out against the crackdown. But the US alone cannot put an end to this. ASEAN must step in and impose sanctions and support the protesters. Its time for ASEAN to step in and take care of its own business. This is happening in its own backyard. Are we willing to allow the mass murder of thousands of innocents? If no one rises up to fight for what is right, then we will all have blood on our hands, especially ASEAN.

I ask any of you who believe in the universal and unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to write an entry about the crimes committed by the junta.

Spread the word.

I support a Free Burma.

Visit IHT.com for the article
Thanks to Bisean for introducing his link to Burma, a fellow blogger named Dawn.

Visit ko htike's blog to see what is happening in Yangon.

Busy Busy

I haven’t needed a vacation like I do right now. I just need to get away.

Far away.

The only relaxation I get these days is my weekly facials. Over the past few days, I had to deal with 3 tests, 2 reports, drama at work, and a new business venture.

A co-worker had approached about an idea of his which I am currently researching. He and others will put up the capital and I will get a percentage for my work. Since they are elderly people, they don’t know how to use computers, much less write a business plan and run around the city following up on contracts. It’s been really hectic. I get about 5 hours of sleep a night. Then again, it is a lot of money to just pass on.

As they say,

“Sacrifice today means affluence tomorrow.”

Photo courtesy of Intercontinental Hotels Group

An Aristocrat's Idol

I haven't blogged because of a busy busy schedule. School seems to be taking up most of my time with all the tests and papers I have to prepare. Early this week...last weekend actually, I watched 60 Minutes interview Alan Greenspan. I have always been a fan of AG since I was a Freshman in high school reading the Wall Street Journal. The economic boom orchestrated during the Clinton Administration was perhaps the best this country has ever seen. America has just fully embraced globalization, free trade, and was reaping the rewards of technological advancements. It was the birth of a new economy.

This and more is espoused in Alan Greenspan's new book, The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World. The book's essentially a memoir about his life, his philosophy, and his predictions. Marvel at the genius of market capitalism and how it has brought the world closer. Ever wonder why South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and China have such booming markets?Read *part* of the reasons in the book. I've only gotten through the intro and Chapter 1, but trust me. It is an interesting read and is not written in Fedspeak.

Reyna Elena has also posted clips of the 60 Minutes Interview.

Here are some excerpts:

"All people appear motivated by an inbred striving for self-esteem that is in large part fostered by the approval of others. that striving determines much of what households spend their money on..."

"In the face of the increasing integration of the global economy, the world's citizens face a profound choice: to embrace the worldwide benefits of open markets and open societies that pull people out of poverty and up the ladder of skills to better, more meaningful lives, while bearing in mind fundamental issues of justice; or to reject that opportunity and embrace nativism, tribalism, populism, indeed all of the "isms" into which communities retreat when their identities are under siege and they cannot perceive better options."

My friends, we face a bold new world.

I think there's something you should know...

I remember shaking my little fanny to this song back in the day.

How fabulous is that?

"I think there's something you should know
I think it's time I told you so
There's something deep inside of me
There's someone else I've got to be
Take back your picture in a frame
Take back your singing in the rain
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man"

Now that is a coming out song!

My Thoughts On Erap

To those of you who judge Estrada as just some petty politician who is out only for himself, I say "Don't judge a book by its cover." I have been lucky enough to have met the former President and can only judge him to be a well-meaning, sincere, and charming man. There's been a lot of ugly things written about him, and I hope that people look real hard at themselves and the other politicians who are guilty of the same sins.

Consider the fact that his former best friend, the admitted "jueteng lord", is now hailed as a national hero. Now that is perverse! His old enemies have now become allies, while allies have turned to enemies.Politics does indeed make for strange bedfellows.

I can't even imagine how his family feels right now.

After all the politicking is over, I will still remember the jovial man whom I met years ago when I was still a boy living in San Juan. That memory of Erap will be the one I hearken to whenever someone calls him a monster. I can only wish him the best.

Happy Birthday!

What do

Richard the LionHeart

Patsy Cline

Pink

and

the Virgin Mary

Have in common?


They share the same birthday with me!

Thank you Everyone for reading my driblets and incoherent thoughts.

Today I was very touched when a friend at work gave me a card.

It was a singing card with the song "Breaking Free" from High School Musical. I've never seen the movie. But she knows I like the song no matter how much I said I hated it. She knows I'm corny like dat! Thanks so much Janny!



and a very special thanks to Josh.

My *Wish* List...the shoe Edition

I just love love love these shoes. These are definitely on my wish list.
Maybe *someone* will buy me a pair for my birthday.

1. Gucci Sneakers


2. Prada Calfskin Logo Driver


3. Prada Seamed Leather Slip On


4. Prada Velvet Slip On


5. Louis Vuitton Monte Carlo Initials Loafer


6. Louis Vuitton Foudre Loafer


7. Louis Vuitton Classic Utah Leather Loafer


8. Dolce and Gabbana Signature Top Sneaker


9. Ferragamo Riservia Slip On



Don't Make me Choose ONE! I love them all!

Photos are courtesy of Neiman Marcus and eluxury.com

I now leave you with a song from Lola Madonna. Ciao!

Bravo Maestro. Bravo.

When I was still in my early teens, I had no appreciation for any other type of music except for N*Sync, Britney and the Backstreet Boys. Then, one brisk November weekend I was tasked with accompanying my Grandma Ella to the Opera. She had season tickets and the NY Metropolitan Opera House was her favorite place. I never understood why she loved opera so much.

Photo acquired through google.

Then I heard him sing this aria.

Live.

On stage.



By the time he sang the last notes, I was in tears and I was utterly amazed at how much the music just moved me. To this day, I still cry when they sing Nessun Dorma when I watch Turandot.

But no one can do it better than Luciano.

My *wish* list

As you folks might know, yours truly will be celebrating a dreaded bday this week. In fact, it's on September the 8th. Since this will be my *ehem* 21st +++ birthday.
I have compiled a wish list.
Here goes...

1.the Louis Vuitton Bastille

Photo Courtesy of the Purseblog

2.the Louis Vuitton Taiga Dersou


Photo Courtesy of the Purseblog

3. the Louis Vuitton Kasbek PM

Photo Courtesy of the Purseblog

4. Dior Homme Large Shopper

Courtesy of eluxury.com

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cape Sweater 'cuz I love love love big collars!


Courtesy of eluxury.com

6. McQ Alexander Mc Queen Moleskin Blazer

Courtesy of eluxury.com

7. 3.1 Phillip Lim Inspector Coat

Courtesy of eluxury.com

8. Dolce and Gabbana Black Messenger Bag

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

9. Marc Jacobs Pan Am Flight Bag

Photo Courtesy of Chuvaness

10. An illustration of me by Pepper Roxas

11. A painting by Josh

12. Shopping with Chuvaness.

13. An Internship with Lola Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel

14. Lunch with Thakoon

15. A date with a crush...I won't tell who he is. My lips are sealed.

Hey! It's FREE to DREAM. :)

If any of you have noticed, I didn't include shoes.

That's on a list of its own.

I have more wishes, but that's for another list. Maybe tomorrow. It's 3AM already.

Ciao!

September

Where did summer go?

Then again, it never really leaves Florida. The temperature outside is well above 90 degrees and will continue to be so until November.

Now that the "ber" months are here, Christmas comes closer and closer. That means that the shopping season will start. I promised myself that I will finish my Christmas shopping very very early this year. My deadline: before Thanksgiving.

I am slowly inching towards graduation and to tell you folks the truth:

I am terrified.

Once I graduate, I'll have to go out on my own and I've even flirted with the idea of moving to a new city. My parents support my idea. They really have no choice.

I think September is my favorite month. It's the beginning and the end. The end of summer fun and the beginning of school. Out with sandals and shorts, In with long coats and furs. Lest we forget, New York Fashion Week starts September 5th.

Anyway I leave you now with my September song.